CBD, or cannabidiol, is a medicinal cannabinoid that is derived from the hemp plant. While cannabidiol can be medicine for nearly anyone, women receive particular benefits from its therapeutic use. One key reason is that many of the problems women face are caused by inflammation, and CBD has been proven to target and treat inflammation. Historically, researchers have failed to thoroughly investigate the potential of CBD to help treat these disorders, as the study of both women’s health and cannabis-based therapies was neglected. Now, thanks to recent research on the effects of cannabidiol, we know just how powerful CBD can be for helping women.

CBD Eases Premenstrual Pain

Not every woman suffers from PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, but those who do are often left debilitated by the symptoms. Almost all women want a way to deal with aches and discomforts that come with hormonal shifts. Amazingly, CBD works to counteract all of the major symptoms of PMS. First, it fights inflammation all over the body, which helps treat headaches, upset stomachs, and physical sensitivities. At the same time, CBD naturally elevates one’s mood, helping to defeat mood swings and minor depression, both common PMS symptoms. Finally, CBD helps women with PMS get enough restful, healing sleep, something that’s often hard to come by. Women often find that it’s helpful to medicate with CBD both before and during their menstrual period for the best symptom relief.

CBD Helps Breast Cancer Patients

One of the most recent and breathtaking finds about cannabis-based medication is its potential for fighting cancers, particularly breast cancer. Cancer strikes millions of Americans each year, and breast cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related death. Tragically, one in every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime; fortunately, treatments are improving every day. One study, published in 2015, offers incredible evidence that CBD effectively kills breast-cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. It may take years for the pharmaceutical industry to create a medication using CBD, but women don’t have to wait until then. CBD should not take the place of traditional medicine for the treatment of breast cancer, but it can be used in addition to the conventional methods with excellent results. Furthermore, CBD has been proven to minimize the side effects of cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. It increases appetite, decreases nausea, and promotes restful sleep, all of which help cancer patients heal faster and suffer less.

CBD Fights Inflammation and Treats Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune disorders are a large group of ailments all caused by an abnormal immune response to one’s own body, leading to inflammation. There are over 80 distinct autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, Type 1 diabetes, Celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, IBS, and lupus, and women are disproportionately affected by most of them. In fact, 75% of patients diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder are women. Fortunately, new research suggests that CBD may be an effective treatment for the symptoms of autoimmune disorders, thanks to its incredible anti-inflammatory powers. The cannabinoids found in CBD can also help to suppress an out-of-control immune system, possibly by limiting the production of cytokines in the body. Researchers are continuing to develop treatments that harness the powers of these cannabinoids, but in the meantime, women are treating their own autoimmune disorder symptoms with CBD. Unlike other common treatments for autoimmune disorders, CBD has few side effects. For example, treating everyday pain with NSAIDs, acetaminophen, or opiates can lead to liver damage, stroke, or even death, while CBD carries no such risks.

CBD Provides Fast Relief for Women’s Anxiety

Women aren’t the only ones to suffer from anxiety, but it turns out that they are twice as likely to suffer from anxiety disorders. In recent years, researchers have found substantial evidence that cannabidiol works fast to decrease anxiety. Women who experience anxiety may avoid THC-based cannabis treatments for fear of exacerbating it, but CBD generally has the opposite effect. One recent study showed that CBD lessened anxiety and distress when taken just before an anxiety-provoking public speaking performance. While CBD has been proven to combat social anxiety disorder, researchers are now looking into its effects on generalized anxiety disorder as well. One of the best things about using CBD to treat anxiety disorders is that it works much faster than conventional treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This way, women can fight their most distressing symptoms and get results right away, while working on long-term issues with a therapist or doctor.

While cannabis-based healing has been going on for millennia, modern medicine is only now beginning to catch up and realize its potential. Women, who have often been underserved by the medical and pharmaceutical industries, have much to gain from the acceptance of cannabidiol as medicine. While scientists fill in the details of how CBD works, women are encouraged to do their own research and heal themselves.